Similarly to winter, the summer months put some constraints on our fashion choices because of the extreme temperatures, which is more prevalent in alternative fashion. Since a lot of alternative styles are centered around wearing dark and heavy clothing, lots of makeup, and building layers, you may feel the need to opt out of expressing yourself the way you want in order to keep cool, but that is not the case!
- Instead of Layering shirts…
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A popular feature in clothing aesthetics that are apart of the 1990s, 2000s, and punk or skater subculture is layering long sleeve shirts underneath tank tops or short sleeve t-shirts. However, this can get very hot. Instead of layering normal t-shirts, go for cut up fishnets, shredded tights, or a sheer mesh top underneath instead. This can be a great way to up-cycle old or ripped tights that you don’t wear anymore, or you could find tights in different colors and patterns for some creative variety. If you want to skip out on this layering all together, experiment with different cuts and fits of t-shirts. For example, wear excessively oversized shirts, which are very easy to find in any thrift store or older relative’s closet, or cropped baby tees and test out proportions and silhouettes.Â
- Tights too tight?
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Speaking of tights, if your fishnets hold too much moisture and sweat, try out a looser pair with a larger weave or one that doesn’t include shapewear. An alternative to tights is to wear shapewear shorts, or just an ordinary pair of athletic shorts underneath your skirts and dresses, which may be more breathable than traditional tights and stockings. If you don’t want to wear tights but still want to avoid chafing, you can put deodorant or anti-chafing sticks between your thighs or wear longer shorts instead of skirts.Â
- Makeup melt
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I love makeup as an expressive tool, especially in terms of eclectic fashion style, but the heat and sweat will often melt the makeup off my face in a short amount of time. To combat this, make sure you’re using sufficient primers for your face and eye makeup, and using setting spray and setting powder as well. You could also forgo the face products altogether and focus on just eyeshadow and lipstick. Which is the better option for your skin anyway. When it’s especially hot, I try to avoid winging my eyeshadow or eyeliner too far off to the side of my face, since sweat usually accumulates there. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Swap out pieces
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Some clothing items you may just have to forgo entirely, like heavy jackets and sweaters. If you get too hot in chunky boots, try to find platform sandals to give a similar look but less heavy and more breathable. If you have a specific sweater you like to wear in an outfit, swap it out for a top in the same color, in a similar fashion, or from the same era as the original piece. Textiles like cotton are significantly more comfortable and hold less odor and sweat than synthetic materials like polyester. Also, keep in mind that darker colors absorb more heat than lighter ones.Â
- Emphasis on accessories
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When you can’t wear your leather jackets, baggy pants, heavy face makeup, or distressed sweaters, the best way to express your alternative taste is to put heavy emphasis on the little (and big) details of accessories. Experiment with different hairstyles and colors, cover your entire head in hair clips and barrettes, or layer multiple belts or necklaces together. If you’re wearing shorts with sandals or sneakers, pay more attention to the socks you wear with them if they’re visible! Wear as much or as little jewelry as you want, wear funky glasses and hats, consider getting new piercings or even just paint your nails black. Accessories are the best feature to add more personality and pizazz to your outfits when you can’t rely on your warmer clothing to do it.Â
Summer can be unpleasant because of the blazing, sticky heat, but that doesn’t mean you have to be confined to plain t-shirts, tank tops, and athletic shorts the entire season. It is never too hot to dress hot!
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